Eco-tourism

Eco-tourism according to EAA (NEAP) is ‘Ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that foster environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation’ (Crabtree et al., 2002). Even though the word ‘Eco-tourism’ is easy to say, many people do not understand its real meaning and confuse Eco-tourism with nature-based tourism. Eco-tourism is, in fact, a special type of tourism, which considers conservation or ecological aspects, economic benefit to local the community and cultural sensitivity or evaluating local community opinion.
Crabtree et al. (2002) reported that Eco-tourism activities should fulfill eight major criteria. (1) nature, (2) interpretation, (3) ecological / environmental sustainability, (4) contribution to conservation, (5) benefit to the local community, (6) respect and sensitivity to the local culture, (7) consumer expectations / satisfaction, and (8) responsible marketing. Based on the Bali regional workshop training on Eco-tourism in Sanur, Nusa Dua and Alas Kedaton (Tabanan) in 2002, an additional point needs to be considered in Eco-tourism in Bali. This is that it should be managed according to the Tri Hita Karana (balanced life) concept. Going to the forest and hunting for deer is not an Eco-tourism activity. Neither is fishing.
Many Eco-tourism activities have been developed, are being developed or have the potential to be developed in Bali. Some examples of Eco-tourism programs in Bali are Agung Prana and his Pemuteran coral project, BTDC with its bird sanctuary and bird-watching program in Nusa Dua lagoon complex, Dr. Alan Wilson in Udayana lodge with its bush walk and bird-watching around Unud Jimbaran Campus and WWF Wallacea with turtle based Eco-tourism. If tourism generally in Bali had not undergone a dramatic decline in recent months, Eco-tourism would probably have become more prominent recently, especially after becoming the focus of international discussion in the International Year of Eco-tourism (IYE) 2002.
What actually are the problems with the development of Eco-tourism in Bali or in Indonesia in general? Eco-tourism generally operates in forests or other natural areas. If it is not strictly controlled, it might expand into mass tourism, damage the environment and kill Eco-tourism itself. In addition, forests, where many Eco-tourism activities take place, are generally located in the mountains. The Balinese believe that mountains are sacred sites (‘utama mandala’ or ‘nyegara gunung’.) Therefore, the development of Eco-tourism must also be sensitive to the local culture. Many important issues need to be addressed before developing Eco-tourism in such sensitive sites.
The International Year of Eco-tourism 2002 lay the foundation for us to think more about developing Eco-tourism and to not just use the label of Eco-tourism without properly understanding it. We must aim for good management based on the Eco-tourism criteria listed above. The government or independent parties should follow the output of Eco-tourism training workshop that was held in Denpasar in 2002. Operations may join the Green Globe Eco-tourism certification program based on the International Eco-tourism Standard or the criteria released by the MEI (Indonesian Eco-tourism Society). If we fail to implement the correct concept of Eco-tourism, I am very sure we will only hasten the destruction of the environment whilst using the label of ‘Eco-tourism’ and deprive future generations of being able to enjoy what we have now. (A. A. Gde Raka Dalem)